While the use of coconut oil nowadays continues to spread because of its many benefits, there are still some things that people do not know about it. Coconut oil, as many people know, can be beneficial to overall health, including hair and skin health.
However, many people don’t know that coconut oil can also be beneficial to dental and oral health. It has been used in Ayurveda, an Indian natural system of medicine, for cleaning and whitening, reducing bad breath, and improving gum health.
For that reason, the use of coconut oil as an all-natural toothpaste is now starting to get the recognition it deserves. Read on to know more about coconut oil and its benefits as one of the best organic toothpaste.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is a natural edible oil extracted from coconut palm fruit. It has been used in many products such as coffee, lotion, shampoo, smoothie, and more. Coconut oil, as one of the most widely used natural oils, comes with a lot of benefits. Some of which are the following:
- good cholesterol increase
- blood sugar control
- stress reduction
- hair and skin health improvement
- liver disease prevention
Coconut oil is not hard to find. It can be bought in stores and markets all around the world. While there is a wide variety of coconut oil products, many people prefer to use the unrefined ones, otherwise known as virgin coconut oil.
How to Make Coconut Oil Toothpaste?
If you are thinking about how to make organic toothpaste with coconut oil, there are many ways and formulas that you can try. Depending on some added ingredients, you can formulate it to produce your desired results. There are formulas for remineralizing and teeth whitening, and there are vegan formulas that you can look up.
Here is a simple formula for coconut oil toothpaste:
- two tablespoons of baking soda
- two tablespoons of coconut oil
- essential oils
Mix the ingredients until the texture of the mixture is smooth. You can add turmeric or other natural whitening ingredients if you want to whiten your teeth. Take note that the proportion of abrasive agents, such as baking soda, should be kept low. Too much of it can damage the enamel. With these simple steps, you will be able to make organic toothpaste with coconut oil.
Why is Coconut Oil Good for Your Oral Health?
1. Removal of Harmful Bacteria
According to studies, coconut oil can fight off harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause different oral health issues such as tooth decay, halitosis, and gum diseases. Its effectiveness at killing Streptococcus mutans, an oral bacteria that cause tooth decay, is proven in several studies and research.
The results of another study showed a significant decrease in the number of the same bacteria after oil pulling using coconut oil. The results were the same when they used chlorhexidine, an antibacterial ingredient in mouthwashes. The results suggest that coconut oil is equally effective as the ingredients used in mouthwashes.
2. Reduction of Plaque and Prevention of Gum Diseases
Gum diseases are caused by plaque buildup, which results from poor oral hygiene. Research shows that oil pulling using coconut oil can help reduce the plaque buildup on teeth. Moreover, it is also proven to reduce inflammation in gums. Although clinical trials are still needed, the results of some studies are enough to prove that coconut oil is beneficial to oral and dental health.
3. Prevention of Bad Breath
Halitosis or bad breath can sometimes be caused by gum diseases. Since coconut oil is effective at reducing plaque buildup and preventing gum diseases, it can also be used to prevent bad breath from occurring. In addition, coconut oil possesses antimicrobial properties that can fight off odor-causing bacteria.
Oral Hygiene Tips
While the effectiveness of using coconut oil is evident and proven in numerous studies, it cannot be used as a replacement for fluoride-containing toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel and reduces the risk of tooth decay. Organic toothpaste indeed has its benefits; however, it is recommended that you use it only as a supplement to standard mouth care products.
Since oral health is connected to overall physical health, it is essential to take good care of it. The best thing you can do is practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once. You can also protect your teeth by drinking lots of water and avoiding sugary drinks. Eating healthy food can help as well.
Visiting the dentist at least twice a year is also recommended. Professional dentists can check your teeth, gums, mouth, and tongue. If there are some oral health issues, they will be able to detect and provide the proper treatment. Moreover, dental checkups include removing plaque and cavity buildup that cannot be removed through brushing and flossing.
Century Dental promotes good oral and dental health. Reach out to us if you are looking for exceptional dental services. Our dentists in St. Pete Beach, FL, will assist you to the best of their abilities.
